Category Archives: Nissan

NHTSA to investigate Wrangler, Altima

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Posted in Nissan

Two popular models have come under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for unrelated safety issues that could potentially injure drivers.

While no accidents or serious injuries have been reported yet, used models of the Nissan Altima and Jeep Wrangler both apparently have flaws that drivers need to be aware of.

On the Altima, the issue is related to the brake master cylinder. Apparently, this part can wear down over time and begin to leak. While these leaks will trigger a sensor and warning light, the onus is on the driver to heed this light and bring the car into the shop. If the light is ignored, it could potentially lead to a loss in braking fluid. The NHTSA is looking at approximately 440,000 vehicles made between 2007 and 2008 for this specific issue.

The Wrangler issue is also restricted to 2007 and 2008, although the problem is limited to 220,000 units. In rare cases, an electrical shortage can cause the airbag to not deploy properly, which could prove problematic in a collision.

Drivers interested in purchasing a used car should do some research on any recent recalls to make sure that the model they're considering isn't on the list for a safety issue. Once ready to buy, drivers can visit New Jersey State Auto Auction to shop a wide range of models at affordable prices.
 

Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt butt heads in newest ad

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Posted in Chevrolet, Nissan

Drivers might assume that since the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt are the first two electric vehicles to make it to market, that the two models would stick together – after all, interest in electric models as a concept is good for the future of both brands. However, Nissan has made it clear that it's not playing nice in its latest advertisement, which attempts to knock the Volt down a peg.

The conceptual ad, entitled "Gas-Powered Everything," is set to air during the NBA Finals on June 12th. The minute-long commercial takes place in an alternate reality where apparently electricity doesn't exist – everything from coffee makers to iPods are run on gas, with accompanying plumes of smoke.

These comical images continue until about 75 percent of the way through the ad, when a pathetic-looking driver is seen filling up his Chevrolet Volt at a gas station. A voice then asks "what if everything ran on gas?" as the man watches another driver pass by in his Nissan Leaf. "Then again, what if everything didn't?"

The commercial clearly goes after the Volt where it hurts – taking the electric vehicle to task for using a gas generator to assist the motor. The Leaf never has to visit a gas station, although it is that generator that gives the Volt a greater range than the Leaf.

Electric vehicles are still pretty expensive, so drivers might want to wait until they hit the used car market before committing to one. In the meantime, New Jersey State Auto Auction offers a wide range of high-MPG vehicles, including hybrids.
 

IIHS names six small cars as “Top Safety Picks”

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Posted in Ford, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety routinely tests batches of vehicles to determine its "Top Safety Picks," an award that's been coveted by the automotive industry in the past. The group recently took a look at 13 small cars and crossovers, and found that six were worthy of the prestigious title.

Of the cars tested, only the Ford Focus, Toyota Prius, Nissan Juke, Lexus CT200h, Hyundai Elantra and Honda Civic were able to perform well enough to receive the award. The IIHS maintains that all vehicles must earn the highest rating of "good" on front, side, rear and rollover tests to qualify.

This tough requirement can lead to disappointment for some brands, as the Honda Insight and CR-Z found out in this round of testing. Both cars earned good ratings on all tests except the rollover, where they were merely "acceptable." Similarly, the Scion xD had three good tests, save for an "acceptable" front impact crash.

Other models, such as the Suzuki SX4 and Dodge Caliber, did not fare as well, with multiple tests deemed merely "acceptable" and even a few "marginal" thrown in.

If you're in the market for a safe and reliable vehicle that won't break the bank, check out New Jersey State Auto Auction. They have many "Top Safety Picks" of past and present available at reasonable prices.
 

Nissan working on 30-mpg engine for Titan pickup

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Nissan

Nissan has announced that it is partnering with diesel engine manufacturer Cummins to work on a new version of its Titan pickup that could potentially surpass 30 miles per gallon the highway, a previously unheard of figure for pickup trucks.

The Japanese automaker is currently at work on a 2.8-liter four cylinder engine that they hope to use in a future redesign of the Titan. Fuel economy is the main target for Nissan and Cummins, with the two aiming for a target of 28 combined miles per gallon, according to PickupTrucks.com.

Given the discrepancy between city and highway ratings, that likely means that the new engine would be rated at above 30 miles per gallon on the highway. This extremely high figure for a large vehicle would go a long way toward helping Nissan meet stricter fuel economy standards instituted by the Department of Energy.

In addition, the engine is being built with an eye on emissions, hoping to comply with the super-ultra-low-emissions-vehicle standards in California, something that's only been achieved by hybrids thus far.

The two groups are looking to complete work on the engine by 2014, in time for it to be available on the next generation of Titan.

Whether you're looking for a pickup truck or a highly fuel efficient vehicle, New Jersey State Auto Auction's wide range of cars for sale at affordable prices will be able to put you in a car that matches your wishes and budget.

Survey: Americans holding off on Volt, Leaf

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Posted in Chevrolet, Nissan

There's been a lot of hype surrounding electric vehicles such as the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf, but a recent survey reveals that the cars have a long way to go before they're fully accepted by the American public.

The poll, organized by USA Today and Gallup, found that 57 percent of Americans will not by an electric vehicle, no matter how high fuel prices rise. The skyrocketing cost of gas has caused many to consider the vehicles, but the poll makes clear that there's a limit on just how many consumers will be swayed by the electric argument.

Edmunds CEO Jeremy Anwyl said that the models "find acceptance among a core group of passionistas, but too many questions remain for mainstream consumers." Concerns for many drivers include arrange, charge time, and the cost of energy the drivers will incur through charging the vehicles. In addition, the models are quite pricey to start out with, even after a $7,500 federal tax credit is factored into the equation.

Drivers who want to hold off on purchasing electric vehicles may want to consider used cars instead. New Jersey Auto Auction offers a wide range of cars for sale, including some of the more fuel-efficient models on the market today.

After earthquake, Nissan stands strong

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Posted in General Auto News, Nissan

When it initially hit, the Japanese earthquake looked to have been equally disastrous for all three automakers: Nissan, Honda and Toyota. However, new information has revealed that Nissan may not be struggling as much as initially thought.

In a letter to its U.S. dealers, the Japanese brand claimed it has a 64-day stock of vehicles, compared to 48 for Toyota and 36 for Honda. This gives Nissan a significant edge over its rivals going into the summer sales months.

""We are in very good shape and have a competitive advantage over our main rivals going into May, and one that is only likely to get stronger as we go through the summer," Al Castignetti, Nissan's vice president of U.S. sales, said in the letter. "I am sure we will also get some surprises as we stretch our suppliers, but we expect to have better pipeline supply than either Toyota or Honda."

Castignetti went on to say that the company wants to "rev the Nissan engine" and grab market share from its rivals over the coming months. This could mean some significant savings for buyers if Nissan decides to use aggressive pricing to do so.

While new cars may have discounts from time to time, buying a used car is always cheaper. New Jersey State Auto Auction offers a great selection of used Nissans as well as other brands at affordable prices.

Nissan NV200 wins taxi competition

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Nissan

New York City residents and tourists should prepare for a different sight on the city streets in the near future, as the town's iconic taxis are set to be replaced by new vans.

The office of Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently held a design contest to determine what model would become the city's new official taxi. Most cabbies used old Ford Crown Victoria models, which needed to be replaced by roomier, more fuel-efficient models. Automakers from around the globe entered the design contest, but when all was said and done, it was the Nissan NV2000 that ended up on top.

Nissan's van design held off challenges from the Ford TransitConnect and an unorthodox model submitted by the Turkish company Karsan. The new model features seating for four plus luggage, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a transparent roof that makes sightseeing a snap.

The NV200 is currently available in Europe and Asia. Nissan will be building the taxi version in Mexico for import to the U.S. No word yet on whether the model will be available in non-taxi version.

"The NV200 taxi will give Nissan the opportunity to showcase our dedication to vehicle quality and urban mobility to more than 600,000 passengers every day," said Nissan chairman Carlos Tavares.

Drivers interested in a used Nissan or any other vehicle may want to check out New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers a wide range of cars for sale at affordable prices.

Volt, Leaf, earn safety commendations

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Posted in Chevrolet, General Auto News, Nissan

Customers who buy a Nissan Leaf or Chevy Volt can now drive not only knowing that they're helping the environment, but that they're also in a very safe vehicle.

Both electric cars received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) coveted "Top Safety Pick" award, which puts them in the top 57 percent of vehicles tested. Both vehicles posted strong marks in front, side and rear crash tests.

Joe Nolan, chief administrative officer for the test, said that the vehicles' extra body mass and weight of their battery packs made them overall safer vehicles compared to similarly-sized hatchbacks and compacts.

"What powers the wheels is different, but the level of safety for the Volt and Leaf is as high as any of our other top crash test performers," he told Reuters.

The IIHS is underwritten by insurance companies and primarily provides them with data on the safety of a vehicle so that the insurers can adjust their premiums accordingly.

The Volt and Leaf are still pricey, so drivers might be better served by waiting for them to hit the used car market before they make their purchase. Once they do, New Jersey State Auto Auction can provide a fair deal on the two models or any other vehicles that a driver may be considering.

Nissan to recall used Pathfinders for steering issue

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Posted in Nissan

Japanese automaker Nissan is recalling 196,000 American used SUVs for a potential flaw in the steering column that could cause it to wear down and potentially crack over time.

According to the company, the recall affects used Nissan Pathfinders from 1996 through 2004 and Infiniti QX4 models from 1997 through 2003. Road salt can build up over time in the steering assembly and cause corrosion, which may potentially trigger the entire column to break.

"The strut housing may crack and pull away from the inner hood ledge assembly," Nissan said in an NHTSA filing. "This may lead to grinding noises, increased steering effort, and possibly the steering column to break, resulting in the loss of steering control, which could result in a crash."

Nearly 163,000 Pathfinders and 33,000 QX4s were recalled as part of the notice. Additional units were recalled in Canada, bringing the North American total up to 271,000 vehicles.

Nissan will inspect and fix the problem free of charge. The company says that for the problem to affect a driver, they would have to ignore a very noticeable grinding noise for an extended period of time.

Drivers interested in a used Nissan or any other vehicle may want to consider New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers a wide range of models to choose from at affordable prices. 

Nissan Leaf named 2011 World Car of the Year

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Posted in Nissan

After months of speculation, the 2011 World Car of the Year was announced at the New York International Auto Show, with the all-electric Nissan Leaf taking home the top prize.

The Leaf had some tough competition, as it went up against two luxury heavyweights in the form of the Audi A8 and BMW 5 Series. When the votes were tallied, however, it was the electric compact that was standing tall.

"It is a great joy that the world's first, mass-marketed electric vehicle, the Nissan Leaf, has won the prestigious award," said Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn.

Nissan's first EV, along with the Chevrolet Volt, have garnered quite a bit of attention as the first mass-produced electric vehicles. But of the two, the Leaf is more dedicated to the concept of electric power. The Volt has a gas generator that kicks in at high speeds or when the motor runs out of juice, but the Leaf functions solely on electricity.

The Leaf was released in the U.S. in December, but is still only available in limited quantities. Nissan plans to ramp up production in the coming months to meet demand.

Drivers in the market for a fuel-efficient vehicle will likely consider the leaf, but it comes with quite the price tag even after a federal tax credit. Buyers might be better served waiting till it hits the used car market.